Additional €1million funding will bring resources available for grants under the Emigrant Support Programme to €12.595million.

Ireland’s Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Mr Ciarán Cannon T.D., today announced details of an extra €1million in funding for grants to Irish organisations abroad. The increase in the Emigrant Support Programme will build on the Government’s strong existing support for Irish communities overseas.

Speaking in the Seanad today, Minister of State Cannon said:

"I have seen first-hand the significant impact that the Emigrant Support Programme can have on Irish communities and organisations around the world. Funding made available to Irish organisations unlocks a whole new world of engagement and supports the continued flourishing of Irish culture, heritage, sport and identity far beyond our shores.

"That is why I am particularly pleased to announce today an increase of one million euro in the allocation for the Emigrant Support Programme in 2019, rising to €12.59 million from €11.59 million last year. The Emigrant Support Programme is the most tangible expression of Ireland’s care for its emigrants and diaspora. That this budget has increased is a demonstration of the Government’s continuing commitment to the diaspora. This increase is something to be welcomed, and I for one would hope to see this investment built on further in the coming years."

Organisations which benefit from this funding include Irish welfare charities which work to assist the most vulnerable people in Irish communities abroad, as well as bodies which promote Irish culture and heritage around the world.

In the 2019-2020 funding year, 474 applications for funding have been made through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) which is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. All applications for ESP support are assessed on their merit, with funding awarded to those projects which best fulfil the objectives of the programme.

ENDS

Emigrant Support Programme: Since 1984, the Irish Government has given financial support to voluntary agencies providing advice and welfare services to Irish emigrants overseas. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade working through Ireland’s Embassy Network coordinates the provision of support to communities abroad and administers the programme.

The main focus for funding under the Emigrant Support Programme remains the frontline welfare service providers that support elderly Irish emigrants, and other vulnerable members of our communities worldwide. In more recent years the programme has also recognised the importance of strong and active Irish communities more generally, funding projects which foster a sense of community, promoting vibrant networks and a sense of Irishness among the Irish abroad. The Emigrant Support Programme funding year runs from 1 July – 30 June. Further details can be found on www.dfa.ie